What is Q-Flash™?

With Q-Flash you can update the system BIOS without having to enter operating
systems like MS-DOS or Window first. Embedded in the BIOS, the Q-Flash tool
frees you from the hassles of going through complicated BIOS flashing process.

Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility

A. Before You Begin

1. From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file that matches your moth-
erboard model.
2. Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g. Z68XPUD4.F1) to your USB flash drive, or hard drive.
Note: The USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.
3. Restart the system. During the POST, press the <End> key to enter Q-Flash. Note: You can access
Q-Flash by either pressing the <End> key during the POST or pressing the <F8> key in BIOS Setup.
However, if the BIOS update file is saved to a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or a hard drive attached to
an independent SATA controller, use the <End> key during the POST to access Q-Flash.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Copyright (C) 1984-2011, Award Software, Inc.
Z68XP-UD4 E6
.
.
.
.

<DEL>: BIOS Setup <F9>: XpressRecovery2 <F12>: Boot Menu <End>: Qflash
05/13/2011-Z68-7A89WG0JC-00

Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, please do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may
result in system malfunction.
B. Updating the BIOS
When updating the BIOS, choose the location where the BIOS file is saved. The following procedure as-
sumes that you save the BIOS file to a USB flash drive.

Step 1:
1. Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file into the computer. In the main menu of Q-Flash, use
the up or down arrow key to select Update BIOS from Drive and press <Enter>.
• The Save Main BIOS to Drive option allows you to save the current BIOS file.
• Q-Flash only supports USB flash drive or hard drives using FAT32/16/12 file system.
• If the BIOS update file is saved to a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or a hard drive attached to
an independent SATA controller, use the <End> key during the POST to access Q-Flash.
2. Select HDD 1-0 and press <Enter>.
Q-Flash Utility v2.23
Flash Type/Size................................. MXIC 25L3206E 4M
0 file(s) found
Keep DMI Data Enable
HDD 1-0 Load CMOS Default Enable <Drive>
Update BIOS from Drive
Save BIOS to Drive
Enter : Run hi:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
Total size : 0 Free size : 0

3. Select the BIOS update file and press <Enter>.

Make sure the BIOS update file matches your motherboard model.

Step 2:
The process of the system reading the BIOS file from the USB flash drive is displayed on the screen. When
the message "Are you sure to update BIOS?" appears, press <Enter> to begin the BIOS update. The monitor
will display the update process.
• Do not turn off or restart the system when the system is reading/updating the BIOS.
• Do not remove the USB flash drive or hard drive when the system is updating the BIOS.

Step 3:
When the update process is complete, press any key to return to the main menu.
Q-Flash Utility v2.23
Flash Type/Size................................. MXIC 25L3206E 4M

Keep DMI Data Enable

!!Load
CopyCMOS
BIOS Default
completed - Pass !!
Enable
Update BIOS from Drive
Please press any key to continue
Save BIOS to Drive
Enter : Run hi:Move ESC:Reset F10:Power Off
Step 4:
Press <Esc> and then <Enter> to exit Q-Flash and reboot the system. As the system boots, you should see
the new BIOS version is present on the POST screen.

Step 5:
During the POST, press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Select Load Optimized Defaults and press <Enter>
to load BIOS defaults. System will re-detect all peripheral devices after a BIOS update, so we recommend
that you reload BIOS defaults.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Award Software

 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) Load Fail-Safe Defaults

 Standard CMOS Features Load Optimized Defaults
 Advanced BIOS Features Set Supervisor Password
 Integrated Peripherals Set User Password
 Power Management Setup Save
Load Optimized Defaults & Exit
(Y/N)? Y Setup
 PC Health Status Exit Without Saving

ESC: Quit : Select Item F11: Save CMOS to BIOS

F8: Q-Flash F10: Save & Exit Setup F12: Load CMOS from BIOS
Load Optimized Defaults

Press <Y> to load BIOS defaults

Step 6:
Select Save & Exit Setup and then press <Y> to save settings to CMOS and exit BIOS Setup. The proce-
dure is complete after the system restarts.